I will never forget the feeling of watching what a beautiful dancer, competitor, and woman Maya grew to be. I met Maya when she was a child, just 11 years old. She had the most infectious smile and laugh, and she had the amazing ability to pair that light hearted, loving personality, with an extreme work ethic and determination. She was highly competitive, but never took it out on her competitors or classmates. She was always down to earth and incredibly humble, despite her quick rise to rock star status in the dance world. 

I met Maya at a point in my life where I felt completely alone. I felt like I had no friends, or family, until I started dancing with the Portland studio under Jim and Lauren. 

Maya was a huge part of my return to normalcy. She was one of many dance sisters who I will forever hold close and dear to my heart. She was our little sister, even after switching studios. Her family was our extended family. We always loved watching her compete and perform, she was a shining light meant for the big stage. 

In our collective sadness, I hope Maya's family feels the love we all had for our sweet, little sister Maya. She will forever be in our hearts. 


Maya taught me many things in my time of knowing her, but the one lesson she gave me that stuck out more than anything else was how to love people for who they are. Watching the way she found people’s mistakes as progress and how she would notice even the smallest quirks in others and celebrate those quirks, taught me how to love my friends and family the way she loved hers. She truly believed that everyone was special in their own way, and it was a breathtaking thing to watch. Maya always was smiling and always showed her true self around the people she loved and that true self of hers was a vibrant, loose, genuine, driven, and compassionate beautiful thing. Our friendship was something I held close to me and will continue to keep the memory of her as close as I can. Thank you Maya for everything. 

Maya was my best friend. She was a beautiful and intense soul, absolutely unlike anyone I've ever met before. Maya's heart was always in the right place and she taught me what unconditional love and devoted friendship looks like. I'm forever grateful for our time together, a part of my heart will always be hers. Our first adventure together was at Eagle Falls, we sat on the cliffside looking over the raging river and talked for hours until we were absolutely soaked and numb from the cold. I always lost track of time when I was with her and I will always cherish the memories that we shared. We didn't take a lot of pictures together, I think we were too busy being in the moment and making memories and that's okay. At first I was taken aback by her kindness and generosity, Maya's intentions were always genuine and she loved her people strongly. Her intelligence and determination caught my attention when we met in Psychology class at college and she continued to demonstrate excellent conversational and intellectual ability as the years went by, there was never a boring moment when she was around. She was an old soul with a silly sense of humor. The best combination, if you ask me. Maya was always an encouraging and supportive friend and no matter what she came through when times were tough. I am blessed to have been able to call her my best friend. Thank you Maya for the support, love, and memories. Thank you for teaching me so much and bringing so much light and joy into my life. My heart aches for you and the people whose lives you've touched. I will love and miss you forever my beautiful bean. 


Maya was my friend. She was special in many ways; not just for her intelligence and wit but also for her heart and spirit. The days I got to spend with her were always filled with action and new endeavors. Each time I saw her we would go somewhere new or create something we haven’t created before. I learned many things from her, but one of the most beautiful things she taught me was that real love doesn’t have to be this grand romantic thing. I think real love is having a friend who will listen to you and one whom you continue to learn from and grow with. I will never forget the time we shared together. 


Maya is one of the sweetest parts of my life. I will live forever holding her in my heart. I love her dearly and pray she is dancing in Heaven above. I loved the beautiful tribute video her family made and in it you can see the most adorable, darling, precious little baby grow into a courageous, vibrant young woman. When Maya walked into a room – she radiated with beautiful beams of light that shined so brightly. She was tiny – but her spirit was enormous. She was no small thing. Maya’s glorious, beautiful spirit touched so many people in her short lifetime. Her heart is filled with immense thoughtfulness, devotion, loyalty, sensitivity and grace. She is the embodiment of love and an icon of courage. She was endlessly helpful to others in need; dreamed big dreams; was a power-house dancer; had daunting ambitions and loved others with ease. I send my prayers out to her family --- who are faced with the pain of putting the pieces of their broken hearts back together. I am so very sorry – and I too, am so beyond heartbroken. I’m wishing all who loved Maya, more love to help you through this devastating time. I pray Maya, OUR ANGEL ABOVE, can also feel our love for her collectively. Never stop dancing Maya. With Eternal Love, Meredith

I met Maya through Meredith. And even though I only met her a few times she always had a sparkle in her eye!  I will always remember her sweet personality. And that big smile on her face. I can only imagine the beautiful friendships that she created. She will be missed.  


I had the pleasure of being Maya's teacher for a short time a few years ago.  I was impressed by her warm smile and her fabulous dancing ability.  She was such a beautiful spirit.  My heart goes out to her family.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Maya was my daughter Genevieve’s wonderful friend. The first time I met her, I was setting up my garden display in Seattle at the Flower and Garden Show. She came with Genevieve instantly willing to help and with great enthusiasm! I remember being very impressed by those qualities in someone so young. And though I spent just snippets of time with her in their comings and goings, her kindness, generosity of spirit and bubbly personality made me grateful that my daughter had such a friend in her. She will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all who knew and loved her.

Dynamic, Fun-loving, Generous, Kind, Intelligent, Thoughtful and Talented are just a few of the attributes that Maya embodied.  I met Maya through my niece Genevieve last year when they visited with me in Palm Springs.   For several days we hiked, talked, went out dancing, and visited several historic sites and I feel privileged to have gotten to spend so much quality time with her energetic personality.   I will always remember her engaged interest and curiosity.  My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends, she will forever be missed.

My daughter also competed with Maya.  She was always so gracious, always smiling.  She was an amazing dancer and had an amazing spirit.  We are heart-broken to hear this sad news.  Sending much love and prayers to her family. 

We are so very sorry to hear this devastating news. My sons, Christophe and Tristan, had the pleasure of competing with Maya in various dance competitions. She is an exceptional dancer and exceptional person who always had a smile and kind word to her opponents afterwards. God Bless you Maya, May He keep you in His loving arms until we all meet again, and keep your family in His grace to survive this loss. Sincerely,
The Bouchard Family 

My heart is broken.  My daughter is an Irish Dancer in the same age group as Maya.  I have a million pictures of beautiful Maya because she was always winning the competitions.  She was a beautiful dancer, always smiling, kind and very humble.  I would congratulate her on another win and she was so kind in her response.  My daughter looked up to her.  When she retired from dancing, we were all sad because of her great talent and lovely spirit.  I saw her hanging out at the Emerald City Feis about a year after she retired.   She was there encouraging her friends and team mates.   I asked her how she was doing and she said she was doing well, but missed dancing.  I told her we missed her too, which as the truth.... I will always miss her sweet smile!  Rest In Peace Maya, we love you. 

OBITUARY

Maya Mariko Hirai

27 June, 1999 – 21 January, 2020

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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